Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.